GBP/USD Remains at Two-Week Highs as Risk-On Mood Bolsters Sterling; UK PMI Figures in the Spotlight
GBP/USD remains close to two-week highs at 1.3580 in a generally softer US Dollar and a risk-on market mood that is bullish. Supportive risk-on sentiment stems from hopes for emerging trade deals between the US and major trading partners like the European Union and Japan that have lifted investor mood. In the meantime, future UK economic releases—especially the S&P PMI and Retail Sales—are in focus and can determine the next direction of the pair. Traders are also eyeing Bank of England policy advancements, as expectations for 2025 rate cuts modestly ease. KEY LOOKOUTS • Thursday’s release should indicate slight manufacturing and services recovery, which can boost GBP sentiment. • The currency is still supported by wider USD softness under risk-on sentiment and decaying Fed-related fears. • US-EU and US-Japan trade pact progress may impact overall market tone and risk appetite. • Traders are also looking for further clues on BoE’s rate trajectory and GILTS sales interruption amid subdued demand. GBP/USD is holding firm around 1.3580, underpinned by better global risk sentiment and a weaker US Dollar. Expectations of a breakthrough in US trade talks with the European Union and Japan have buoyed market sentiment, supporting the Pound to hold onto gains. Investors are monitoring Thursday’s UK S&P PMI figures closely, which may provide new insight into the condition of the UK economy. Also, speculation concerning the policy stance of the Bank of England and the temporary halt in long-term GILTS sales provides further interest for traders looking to determine the Sterling’s short-term direction. GBP/USD is close to two-week highs in light of widespread US Dollar weakness and enhanced risk appetite. GBP/USD awaits UK PMI releases and BoE policy cues for the next move. • GBP/USD is close to 1.3580 support, remaining near two-week highs in Asian trading hours. • Decreasing US Dollar provides a more than welcome boost to the pair as risk-on moods dominate global markets. • US-EU trade negotiations and agreement of a 15% tariff with Japan boost morale. • UK S&P PMI releases on Thursday may offer some new economic indications. • Friday’s UK Retail Sales will likely bounce back with the support of improved weather. • BoE stops GILTS sales temporarily due to scarce demand from pension schemes. • Rate cut hopes for 2025 have eased slightly but continue to be in the view. GBP/USD remains a focus as the global market mood has improved, with investors optimistic about possible trade deals between the United States and major global partners such as the European Union and Japan. The news about the US and EU getting closer to a deal with 15% tariffs on EU products, while also recently agreeing to a tariff deal with Japan, has increased optimism regarding more seamless global trade relations. This wider optimistic sentiment across world markets is supporting risk-sensitive currencies like the British Pound, assisting it to remain strong against the US Dollar. GBP/USD DAILY PRICE CHART SOURCE: TradingView In the UK itself, market operators are keeping a keen eye on forthcoming economic data releases, particularly the S&P PMI numbers due out on Thursday. These are forecast to show modest gains in manufacturing as well as the services sector, providing a hint about how well the UK economy is doing. Retail sales figures out Friday, meanwhile, may indicate a pickup, fueled in part by seasonal weather patterns. The Bank of England’s recent decision to suspend long-term GILTS sales is also indicative of changing market forces, with conventional buyers taking little interest. All of these trends are influencing UK monetary policy expectations among investors heading into 2025. TECHNICAL ANALYSIS GBP/USD is trading firmly close to the 1.3580 level, holding its ground near a two-week high. The pair is holding above important moving averages, reflecting underlying short-term bullish momentum. If the price holds above the 1.3550–1.3560 support area, it may set the stage for a rally towards the psychological resistance point at 1.3600 and possibly higher. Any inability to hold above the near-term support, though, might tempt marginal pullbacks, although the bigger picture trend is positive as long as the pair remains over its recent breakout levels. FORECAST If the current risk-on mood continues and UK economic data comes in as strong as, or better than, expected, GBP/USD would potentially push its gains to the 1.3600 psychological resistance and beyond. Sustained positive surprises in the coming S&P PMI and Retail Sales numbers would have a good chance of solidifying confidence in the UK economy, providing further impetus for the Pound. Also, sustained weakness in the US Dollar, fueled by better global trade prospects and calm investor attitude, may deliver the needed tailwinds for the pair to continue on the upswing. Conversely, any UK macroeconomic data disappointment or abrupt change of mood in the market toward risk aversion may prompt a retreat in GBP/USD. If investors become increasingly worried about future Bank of England rate action timing or effects or if geopolitics interrupts US trade talks, the pair could come under pressure. A close below the 1.3550 support level might pave the way for more significant corrections, particularly if the US Dollar starts gaining ground on better home stimuli or more aggressive Fed rhetoric.